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Preston express disappointment at FA decision to ban Osmajic for 9 games over Mejbri incident

Preston express disappointment at decision by FA to punish Milutin Osmajic over the incident with Hannibal Mejbri nine months ago.

Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri alleged that he was subjected to racist abuse by Preston’s Milutin Osmajic during the Championship fixture between Preston and Burnley in February earlier this year.

As per Preston insiders, to The Sun, Burnley players reportedly requested that Osmajic be substituted by Preston, but this request was rejected.

Both clubs issued statements acknowledging the complaint, with Preston stating that Osmajic has strongly refuted the claims. The Football Association looked into the incident, and have this week confirmed a punishment.

FA STATEMENT:

Regulation and Discipline Update:

An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Preston North End FC’s Milutin Osmajić for a proven breach of FA Rule El

It was alleged that the forward had breached FA Rule E3.1 by acting in an improper manner and/or using abusive and/or insulting words towards a Burnley FC player during their EFL Championship fixture on Saturday 15 February.

It was also alleged that this matter constitutes an “Aggravated Breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as the words included a reference — whether express or implied — to colour and/or race.

Milutin Osmajic denied the charge against him, which the Regulatory Commission found to be proven, and it has imposed an immediate nine-match suspension, £21,000 fine and mandatory education course.

The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.

PRESTON STATEMENT:

Preston North End are extremely disappointed at the decision made by an independent regulatory commission to sanction Milutin Osmajić and impose a nine-match suspension, following an incident which took place in a league fixture against Burnley on 15th February 2025.

We note that the outcome was determined on the ‘Balance of Probabilities’ rather than one that is ‘Beyond Reasonable Doubt’.

We also note that The FA determined that this decision offers no moral judgement, was not premeditated nor any comment about his general character.

Milutin has always pleaded his innocence of the charge and continues to do so. We continue to be fully supportive of our player.

We are proud of our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policies and practices, and we reaffirm our opposition to all forms of discrimination.

Mejbri posted after the game: “I will not be silent about what happened today. I will always call out racism whenever I hear or see it. That is the only way we change as a sport and a society. I am a strong person but nobody should have to experience this disgusting abuse on the pitch.”

It’s said that ‘stand-in boss Stuart McCall stood his ground and refused Burnley’s request, sparking CJ Egan-Riley to hurl the ball in his direction — greeted by sarcastic applause from the coach.

‘Osmajic was later taken off in the 77th minute, with Hannibal being subbed by Burnley six minutes earlier.

‘Preston insiders reveal Osmajic was close to tears when he went to see referee Andrew Kitchen after the game.

‘Osmajic and Hannibal were called in by the official who will report the incident to the FA ahead of an investigation.

‘The Montenegrin striker said he has black team-mates and pals in the Preston ranks and would not have insulted them.

‘The FA will quiz both about an alleged racist comment.’

BURNLEY STATEMENT (Feb 2025):

Burnley Football Club is aware of an alleged comment made to Hannibal by Milutin Osmajic during our game against Preston North End which was reported to officials both during and after the game.

During the second-half Hannibal made referee Andrew Kitchen aware of the comment who has registered the complaint. The Club would like to thank the officials for their professional handling of the incident.

The Club will continue to show its complete support to Hannibal and there will be no further comment made until the investigation has been completed.

PRESTON STATEMENT (Feb 2025):

Preston North End are aware of a complaint that has been made by Hannibal Mejbri and Burnley FC to today’s match officials with regards to an allegation of a comment made by Milutin Osmajić during today’s Sky Bet Championship fixture at Deepdale.

Milutin Osmajić has strongly refuted the claims of a comment made towards Hannibal Mejbri in a post-match meeting with today’s match officials.

The club would like to thank the match officials for the way they have handled the issue and will assist with the investigation until a conclusion has been found.

No further comment will be made at this time.

Scott Parker told talkSPORT: “Yeah, there was an incident.

“What Hannibal heard someone say to him. And instantly, I think everyone sees it in the stadium, his reaction, the emotional state that he went into.

“He was obviously hurt and tried to calm the situation down while trying to get some context on exactly what was said and have an understanding of that situation.

“Fair play to him. At that point, I’ve never really been involved in a game where what Hannibal said to me [happened] I never had to deal with that. So obviously my main focus and support at that moment was for Hannibal.

“He’s now got to carry on playing a game of football, really. He was brilliant in that, really.”

Questioned if the referee could have done more in the moment, he added: “No, the ref can’t hear that. He’s in a stadium of people. Fourth can’t hear it. I thought the officials, for my disappointment in him not giving a penalty, I thought he handled it and the fourth handled it very, very well.

“It’s been reported now. It’ll go through due process now. We’ll see, I’m sure in the coming days there’ll be some actions or whatever may take place, really.

“He’s not too bad. He’s fine.”

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